This post-convention report comes from Michael Neese and Merry-Noel
Chamberlain:

Merry-Noel Chamberlain and Michael Neese, coordinators of the first
ever Cane Game, held at the 1999 National Convention in Atlanta, would like to
congratulate the two grand prize winners, Hannah Weatherd and Allison Hilliker. Sponsored
by the students of the Louisiana Tech Orientation and Mobility Masters Program, the
Cane Game promoted, acknowledged, and encouraged proper cane use during the convention in
children up to the age of eighteen. Participants were divided into two major groups. White
ribbons were attached to the canes of the younger children involved in the Cane Game,
while older teens received a purple ribbon. Students in the Orientation and Mobility
Masters Program at Louisiana Tech placed stars on the ribbons when they observed
participants using their cane properly. Congratulations to Hannah and Allison for a job
well done!

Childrens Scavenger Hunt

Gail Wagner, a former winner of the Educator of Blind Children Award,
coordinated this years scavenger hunt for younger kids at convention. Here is her
report:

The evening of the younger kids scavenger hunt was a great
success! This was the first year we included the 10-12 year olds, and a great time was had
by all! We had so many kids that we ended up recruiting a few unsuspecting parents to help
out as "tour guides." After putting nametags on all participants, the children
(blind and sighted), were issued sleepshades and canes (as needed) provided by NOPBC. Then
the children were matched up 2-4 to a group, assigned to an adult "tour guide,"
given a set of locations to find, and, after some scrambling, off they went! As each group
re-assembled, all the kids received door prizes. What anticipation was felt waiting for
their number to be called! (Every child received a prize.) What a fun, hectic, way for
children to begin orienting to the hotel with great adult blind role models and supportive
parent volunteers.

Writing Contest

From Lori Stayer comes the following announcement:

The National Federation of the Blind Writers Division is
sponsoring two contests for students. The contests are open to legally blind students ages
18 and under in grades 6 through 12. Entry fee per piece is $3.00. Students may enter as
often as they like. Make checks out to the NFB Writers Division. Opening date is
September 1, 1999. Deadline for the contest is May 1, 2000. Work postmarked after May
first will not be accepted.

Poetry: Original, unpublished poems up to 36 lines in length will be
accepted for this contest. Send your poem, bio, cover page with your name, address and
phone number, entry fee, and a stamped self-addressed envelope to Loraine Stayer, 2704
Beach Drive, Merrick, New York 11566. There is no limit on the subject for poems or
stories.

Note: If the student prefers to write the story or poem in Braille,
then a typed copy must accompany it. For more information, call Lori Stayer (516)
868-8718, or e-mail <LoriStay@aol.com>

Prizes: $30, $20, $10 each contest and publication in Slate and
Style, the newsletter of the NFB Writers Division.

Idaho Parents Organize

From the NFB of Idaho newsletter comes this exciting news:

July 31 was a red-letter day for blind children and their parents in
Idaho. A new division of the NFBI was formed. A Constitution was adopted, and officers
were elected. Shelley Weigt and Joann Grimmett had been contacting parents and planning
for this day for several weeks. Parents have been telling us that they need to work
together to get the kind of support for their children in public schools that is needed
for a good education. It is expected that the group will meet quarterly, and funds are
being sought for some events that will be beneficial to both parents and blind children.
Officers are as follows: President, Shelley Weigt; Vice President, Joann Grimmett;
Secretary, Jodie Pierce; Treasurer, Harry Gawith; Board Members: Sandra Streeter, Mike
Gibson, and Dana Ard.

100 Years of Education

We recently received the following announcement:

The South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is proud to
announce it will be celebrating its "Centennial Reunion" (100 years) in the year
2000. The school first opened its doors as "The Asylum for the Blind" in March
1900 in Gary, South Dakota, but later moved its campus to the present location in
Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Over the years the school has lost touch with many former students and
staff and would like to encourage anyone who attended, was employed by, or who would be
interested in receiving information about Centennial Reunion activities, to contact the
school. The school is also looking for any school-related pictures, newspaper articles, or
stories that people would be willing to share to be used in our school archives exhibits.

We encourage anyone interested in the "Centennial Reunion" to
contact Dawn LaMee or Dawn (Brush) Flewwellin by phone at (605) 626-2580 or (888) 275-3814
or you can write them at SDSBVI, 423 17th
Avenue, S.E., Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401-7699.

Lowenfeld-Akeson Symposium

We have been asked to announce the following:

On Saturday, February 12, 2000, the California School for the Blind,
the Blind Babies Foundation, and the Northern California AER are co-sponsoring the
Lowenfeld-Akeson Symposium at the California School for the Blind. Creig Hoyt, M.D.,
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Medical Center-San Francisco will
speak on "The Changing Face of Childhood Eye Disease" and Candace Brown, M.D.,
Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kaiser Permanente-Walnut Creek will give presentations
on "Pediatric Neurology: How to Diagnose?" and "Seizure Management:
Implications for Learning." For more program and registration information contact
Patricia Merritt-Smith at (510) 794-3800, ext. 209.

Summer Music Institute

Weve been asked to announce the following:

The Music and Arts Center for the Handicapped, located in Connecticut,
is accepting applications nationwide for its fifth Summer Institute for Blind
College-bound Musicians. This three-week, residential program held in July is for students
tenth grade and up, who have had some music experience and are serious about gaining
skills necessary for the study of music in college. Areas taught include Braille music,
computer composing and notation skills, theory, keyboard, and ensemble. Enrollment is
limited to ten students, who will be accepted based on their applications and telephone
interviews. Cost of the program is $2000. Partial Scholarships are available. Applications
must be completed and returned by April 15. Students under the age of 15 or in need of
significant financial help should apply early. For an application contact the Music and
Arts Center for the Handicapped, 600 University Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06601.

Phone (203) 366-3300.

E-mail <102730.163@compuserve.com>.

Music Resources

I recently received the following e-mail letter and information:

October 14, 1999

Dear Barbara:

Thanks so much for publishing my article about Braille music resources
in the Spring, 1999, Future Reflections. This article is just one more tool to help
parents provide for their childrens educational program.

Even as I type this note, availability of Braille music resources is
changing. One resource that keeps track of this rapidly changing area is a Braille music
Internet listserve at <braillem@majordomo.net> [see information below]. I would
encourage anyone who has a blind child to sign on to this free service. You never know
when you may have a question!

Thanks for all you do for us parents through Future Reflections
and the NOPBC!

Sincerely,

Mary Smaligo

BrailleM: the Braille Music List

BrailleM is a place for discussing and learning about all aspects of
Braille music code. The list is designed to help beginners in Braille music and give them
a place where they can ask questions of more experienced Braille music users. The list
will also be useful to more experienced users who can discuss more difficult passages and
formats. The list also covers any and all subjects related to Braille music, such as where
to find teaching materials, where to order Braille music material, how to transcribe music
into Braille music code, and so on.To subscribe to BrailleM send a message to
<majordomo@majordomo.net>. Leave the subject blank (it is ignored). In the body of
the message write the words "subscribe braillem" (leave out the quotation marks,
of course). If you want to specify a certain address for the subscription, use this line
as your message body. Example: assuming that <me@myself.com> is your e-mail address,
you would write "subscribe Braillem me@myself.com" (again, leaving out the
quotes). You will receive a confirmation e-mail to which you must reply, and then you are
subscribed. The address for posting messages to BrailleM is
<braillem@majordomo.net>. Remember that if you send a message to this address, it
goes to all members of the list.

Braille Music Translator

Weve been asked to share the following:

Dancing Dots has recently released version 2.0 of the GOODFEEL Braille Music Translator. GOODFEEL produces Braille scores from the same music files
used to print scores with your PC. New features: Transcribes lyrics for vocal solos and
choral parts; online, context-sensitive help; review/edit Braille score with Braille font
included; improved support for non-English literary Braille; more detailed error checking
of your music file; 32-bit application which runs under Windows95 and Windows98. For
further information contact:

MAGic 6.1 is screen magnification software that enlarges your computer
screen from 2 to 20X! It is ideal for low-vision computer users or anyone who is required
to spend extended periods of time in front of a computer screen. MAGic enlarges text,
graphics, or any Windows® applications. Fine-tune the magnification attributes by setting
preferences for magnification, panning, tracking, hotkeys, and more. Screen/context
position is maintained when using MAGics screen locator option or by utilizing
MAGics multidirectional screen panning/review mode with adjustable speed,
pause/restart, and screen navigation controls. For more information, contact Henter-Joyce,
Inc., 11800 31st Court North, St. Petersburg,
Florida 33716. Phone: (800) 336-5658. Website: <www.hj.com>.

Listening to Windows 95

The following information comes from an APH news release:

The Listening to Windows 95 (LTW) training kit includes the first
interactive auditory software to teach Windows basics. The kit contains a CD-ROM, tactile
and large print guides to screen layouts, and a manual in four accessible media.The
tutorial helps you learn main system and application features by means of keyboard
navigation. Seven units presented on the CD-ROM cover Windows 95 basics, including:
Introduction, Desktop Features, Explorer WordPad, Help Control Panel, and Internet
Overview.

The lessons provide instruction, hands-on practice, and short quizzes.
These practice exercises are not simulated, so full access to Windows is available at any
time, encouraging you to explore the Windows environment. As you use the tutorial, the
program saves your settings on exit so you can easily return later to your stopping place.
Recommended ages: 11 years to adult. For more information contact American Printing House
for the Blind, Inc., 1839 Frankfort Avenue, P. O. Box 6085, Louisville, Kentucky
40206-0085. Phone: (502) 895-2405. Toll Free: (800) 223-1839. Fax: (502) 899-2274. E-mail:
<info@aph.org>. Website: <www.aph.org>.

Tack-Tiles® Braille System

Weve been asked to print the following:

Tack-Tiles® are a
manipulative educational learning tool especially helpful for teaching Braille to multiply
disabled children, and for teaching Music Braille Code, Nemeth Code, Computer Braille
Code, and French, Spanish, German, and Italian to any blind student. Tack-Tiles® fit and work in the same fashion as standard toy
building blocks. Each set comes with 320 Lego®-like
blocks with a single symbol in print and large raised Braille dots on each block. The
blocks snap onto any of eight display boards (four approximately 10 x 15 inches and four
about 5 x 7 inches), to make up different configurations of words, musical notations, or
math problems. Each of the eight Tack-Tile®
setsEnglish, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Music Code, Nemeth Mathmatics Code,
and Computer Braille Codecomes in a rugged carrying case. In addition to the
Tack-Tile® sets, ask about accessories: the
Tack-Tiles® Braille Teaser and Tack-Tiles® key-pad for InteliKeys®. For more information contact Tack-Tiles® Braille System, P.O. Box 475, Plaistow, NH 03865. Phone: (800) 822-5845. E-mail:
<braille@tack-tiles.com>. Website: <www.tack-tiles.com>.

Talking Typing Teacher

Weve been asked to carry the following announcement:

From Craig Faris: Attention all Typists! Are you a new computer user
just learning how to type? Talking Typing Teacher has built-in speech, which allows you to
run the program on your computer regardless of whether you have a speech synthesizer or a
sound card installed and is available for just $49.95. Originally designed for blind
users, TTT may be used by both the blind and sighted. TTT takes the boredom out of
learning to type. For information contact I Can See books, 88 Captain Morgans
Blvd., Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 6R1 Canada. Phone: (250) 753-3096. E-mail
<dr100@ncf.ca>.

Childrens Books

Weve been asked to print the following:

I Can See Books is pleased to offer a collection of high quality,
high interest childrens print/Braille books that are reasonably priced and complete
with picture descriptions. We are launching our print/Braille collection with a special
"Book-of-the-Month" Club offer, along with a few selected individual titles. To
place an order or for more information contact I Can See Books, 88 Captain Morgans
Blvd., Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 6R1 Canada. Phone: (250) 753-3096. E-mail:
<drl00@ncf.ca>. Website: <www.ncf.ca/~drl00>.

Braille Special Collection

We have been asked to print the following announcement:

Braille Institute is introducing the Braille Special Collection, an
exciting new reading program offered free of charge to children who are blind or visually
impaired. Made possible by grants from the Lincy Foundation and the Hugh and Hazel Darling
Foundation, the Braille Special Collection program includes: Childrens
ClassicsWe have transcribed a collection of childrens classic literature
encompassing more than 600 titles and appealing to all reading levels. Every three months
we will distribute this catalog, which features selected titles available for order free
of charge.

BraillewaysAn anthology of fiction and nonfiction with broad
appeal to readers age 9 through 18. Brailleways will be distributed each summer as
a companion to our winter anthology, Expectations, now in its 50th year of distribution.

Braille Sterling by Christiansen Designs is alive and well! Kim
Christiansen, the designer of the Braille jewelry many of us have grown to love, has
announced he is now "out of hibernation" and ready to fill orders once again.
The latest addition to his line is an adorable miniature book pin cast in pewter.
Available in shiny pewter or 18kt gold electroplate, it is 1x1-1/8 ." "Read for
Fun" is on the cover in Braille and on the spine in print.

From Heather Quillin, Blind Childrens Fund, comes the following
updated information on how to get the revised editions of the following two excellent
booklets for parents of blind infants and toddlers.

Get A Wiggle On (New Revised Edition), by Sherry Raynor and Richard
Drouillard. A booklet for parents of infants who are blind or visually impaired with
suggestions for assisting development from birth to the walking state. Cost: $5.00 plus
S/H

Move It (New Revised Edition), by Richard Drouillard and Sherry
Raynor. A sequel to Get A Wiggle On, this booklet contains suggestions for
assisting the development of preschool children who are blind or visually impaired from
walking to school entrance age. Cost $5.00 plus S/H.For more information about these and other books for parents of blind
children, contact Blind Childrens Fund, 4740 Okemos Road, Okemos, MI 48864. Phone:
(517) 347-1357. Fax: (517) 347-1459.

E-mail: <blindchfnd@aol.com>.

Website: <www.blindchildrensfund.org>.

Videos for Babies

Weve been asked to share the following information from one of
the exhibitors at the 1999 NFB Convention:

BABYSCAPES is an educational video series designed to help parents
create a smarter baby! The first video, Babys Smart Start TM, consists of six carefully selected classical music arrangements that accompany
computer-generated black, white, and red geometric shapes that have been proven to be
clearly recognizable to infants. An infant stimulation booklet written by leading experts
is included providing details on how to utilize the Babys Smart Start TM video and information on the why and how of a complete
infant stimulation program. Celebration of Color TM is the second video. With seven upbeat celebratory classical music pieces, each
of the scenes introduces your child to classical music as well as the primary and
secondary colors. Miracle of Mozart TM, the
third video, teaches children numbers and shapes with state-of-the-art graphics while
carefully chosen classical selections of Mozart play in the background. For more
information contact BABYSCAPES, 8391 Beverly Blvd., #276, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Phone:
(888) 441-KIDS.

Resource for Homeschoolers

Lydia Schuck of Michigan is collecting, storing, and lending Braille
textbooks and curriculum materials for homeschoolers. She has collected the materials from
many sources, including the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. If you
would like to borrow materials or donate materials contact her at Braille Sharing Library,
Lydia Schuck, 1981 Eden Road, Mason MI 48854. (517) 676-4621. e-mail:
<laschuck@juno.com>.

RFB&D Scholarships

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic recently released the following
press release information:

Applications are available for two annual National Achievement Awards
sponsored by Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). RFB&D is the
nations largest nonprofit lending library of recorded textbooks for people with
learning disabilities, visual impairments, or other physical disabilities. The application
deadline is February 21, 2000. RFB&Ds Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement
Awards (SAA) are given to nine blind or visually impaired seniors at four-year U.S.
colleges or universities. The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening awards (LTL) are
presented to six high school seniors with learning disabilities. Award monies total more
than $50,000. For additional information on RFB&Ds membership programs, award
eligibility criteria, or to request an award application, call RFB&D toll-free at
(800) 221-4792.

Braille Menu Project

Keri Stockton, President of the POBC-WV, sends this information about
her sons latest project:

The Phillippi Inn Restaurant now has a Braille menu thanks to the
community service project of 10-year-old homeschooler, Nicolas Stockton. Ms. Sharlot
Pifer, who teaches Nicolas Nemeth Code and other subjects, read the print menu to him as
he embossed the Braille one on his electronic Mountbatten Brailler. Nicolas presented the
completed menu to Eric Gain, the Phillippi Inn manager, at a celebration lunch in October.
His next project is Brailling the hymnal for the Simpson Creek Baptist Church in
Bridgeport.

504 Plans

The following information is reprinted from TECHTALK, the
newsletter of the Illinois Assistive Technology Project:

IDEA (the law that requires schools to serve children with special
needs and develop IEPs) is an entitlement program. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
is a civil rights law. Children who have a disability become part of a protected class,
and any agency that receives federal funding cannot discriminate on the basis of a
childs disability. Section 504 ensures that your child will have equal access to the
services that schools provide. Its definition of disability is more inclusive than the
definition in IDEA. If your child has a 504 Accommodation Plan, you will follow many of
the steps listed. Accommodation Plans do not have goals. Instead they list modifications
to the curriculum, accommodations, and services a child will receive as a qualified person
with a disability. If a school district informs a parent that their child may not be
eligible for IDEA they should convene a meeting to determine if the child is eligible for
services under Section 504. If (s)he is, then they should develop an Accommodation Plan.

Mobility International

The following information comes from Mobility International USA:

At MIUSA, we promote travel that makes a difference. International
exchange both benefits individuals and improves intercultural understanding. This can take
many formsfrom spending a year as a student in England, to volunteering with
children in Costa Rica. For a comprehensive list of resources for international exchange,
check our website <www.miusa.org> or contact us at MIUSA, P.O. Box 10767, Eugene, OR
97440. Phone: (541) 343-1284. Fax: (541) 343-6812.

MIUSA also serves as the National Clearinghouse on Disability and
Exchange, funded since 1995 by the US Information Agency to: educate people with
disabilities and related organizations about international exchange opportunities;
increase the participation of people with disabilities in the full range of programs;
advise international exchange organizations about the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
facilitate partnerships between people with disabilities, disability-related
organizations, and international exchange organizations. The Clearinghouse e-mail address
is <clearinghouse@miusa.org>.

NTN Offers Website

The following information was announced in the October, 1999, Telability
Media Newsletter:

The Tulsa-based Narrative TV Network reports that its television movie
programming, made accessible to blind and visually impaired people, is now available
worldwide on the Internet at <www.narrativetv.com>.Jim Stovall, president, said the
programming is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and users can
enjoy the programs on demand. This will allow blind and visually impaired people to enjoy
NTNs narrative programming, day or night, at their convenience. In addition to the
Internet, NTN offers their programming via broadcast, cable, and satellite, including more
than 1,200 affiliates across North America.

Audio Described Movies in the Theater

From the In Touch newsletter of the NJ Parents of Blind Children
comes this information:

Descriptive Video Service (DVS) now describes IMAX movies in certain
theaters around the country. If you find yourself in these cities with your family, you
might want to goNew Orleans, Boston, Houston, Denver, and Chattanooga. To get the
DVS described movies and television guide, call (617) 300-3490 or find them on the web at
www.wgbh.org/dvs.

Braille Essay Contest

This information comes from the NJ Parents of Blind Children
newsletter, In Touch:

The World Blind Union and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind
are sponsoring an essay contest on the topic "What Braille Means to Me." Essays
should be 1000 to 1500 words and written from a personal perspective which describes how
Braille has affected or changed a life. Ten winners will be chosen; each winner will
receive $500; winning essays will be published in English, French, and Spanish and
distributed internationally. Deadline is February 2, 2000. Entries can be submitted in
English, French, or Spanish, in print or Braille, and by blind, VI, deaf-blind, or sighted
persons. Electronic submissions are preferred. Include on a separate page the
writers name, address, and phone number. Do not identify yourself on the essay
itself. Send entries to CNIB, 1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3E8 Canada, attn.
J. Sanders or by e-mail to sanderj@east.cnib.ca.

Great Outdoors

Another booklet from the Blind Childrens Fund:

Backyards and Butterflies: Ways to Include Children With Disabilities
in Outdoor Activities is a book written by four mothers to help families make outdoor
play accessible for their children with disabilities. Low-tech, inexpensive, homemade
"assistive technology" ideas are presented, including how to adapt gardening
tools, to make accessible garden sites, and to adapt for fishing, just to name a few. Cost
is $10 plus $3 shipping and handling. It is available from: Blind Childrens Fund,
4740 Okemos Road, Okemos, MI 48864-1637, (517) 347-1357.

Computer Games

Weve been asked to share the following information:

Personal Computer Systems is a company which is operated and maintained
by blind programmers. PCS is interested in providing fast action, fun, and exciting
computerized board and arcade games for the blind community. In our board games,
everything is described with all the necessary details as the game is being played and any
information such as position or score may be obtained by hitting a key.